Brooks, Besler, Gonzalez start for US against Mexico

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Central defenders John Brooks, Matt Besler and Omar Gonzalez all were in the starting lineup for the United States' World Cup qualifier against Mexico on Friday night.

Coach Jurgen Klinsmann appeared to switch to a 3-5-2 formation that included Timmy Chandler and Fabian Johnson on the wings of a midfield with Jermaine Jones, Michael Bradley and Christian Pulisic. Jozy Altidore and Bobby Wood were up front.

Tim Howard was in goal, regaining the No. 1 job after Brad Guzan was benched by Middlesbrough.

The match was the opener of the final round of qualifying in North and Central America and the Caribbean.